Relatives of Israeli hostages in the hands of the Islamic group Hamas Since October 7 last year, they have met with the current Pope Francis and, after reaching the agreement, they have expressed their desire to release 50 people. Other kidnapped people are released and Red Cross Gaza to find out how they are doing.
“Even if 50 are released, there are still 190 left.” So says Rachel Goldberg, mother of Hersh, a 23-year-old who, as she explains, was seriously injured and kidnapped by Hamas after their attack on the Nova music community. said festival., at a press conference in Rome.
“We would like the International Red Cross or another humanitarian organization to come visit each hostage and let us know if they are still alive, how they are being treated and what care they need,” added this mother, who is part from the group. of twelve people who received Francis at the Vatican today.
About the meeting with the Pope, which lasted about half an hour, she assured that the Pope could make this possible because he has a great influence and that she felt heard and respected. “I think he will do everything he can to help us,” he added.
Francis met today with twelve relatives of the Israeli hostages, as well as with people close to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, and during the audience he assured what is happening between Israel and Palestine: “It is not war, it is terrorism” .
“The meeting with the Pope is part of an effort to keep the issue open in the world’s consciousness. For us, taking hostages is the most important thing, and we want to maintain attention in all media so that he returns quickly,” Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See Raphael Shutz said at a news conference.
In it, some family members lamented that Pope Francis had spoken about the “terrorism” of both Israel and the Islamic group.
“Hamas kills innocent people because they are Jews or Israelis. The deaths in Gaza are happening because Hamas is using its civilians as human shields,” said one of the family members.
“The conversation (with the Pope) was very pleasant and effective. He listened to us with compassion. Hamas is still firing rockets into Israel and trying to kill Israelis. Please don’t keep saying that what Israel is doing is terrorism, said another.
For his part, Goldberg added: “During our meeting, the Pope considered the kidnapping an act of terror. And I didn’t understand what you meant when you said Israel was committing terrorism.”
Alexandra Ariev, Karina’s 19-year-old sister, kidnapped in Nahal Oz, wanted to thank the Pope for his time: “Even though it was short, he met us and listened to us. The few who spoke delivered the message to our delegation and those who could not come.”
“We are sure he did it and we will take initiatives to help our families,” he explained.
Source: La Neta Neta
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
